Tag Archives: bras

I am not very proud of my bra drawer… There are raggedy undergarments that probably date back to my college years in there. (I can’t believe I actually admitted that, but—what the heck—we’re all friends here!) Truth is: I’m long overdue for a major underwear overhaul. Fresh bras and modern styles—in the right size, for a change!

Lucky for me, March is National Bra Fit Styling Month—as declared by luxury lingerie retailer, Intimacy—and I was invited to the brand’s Fifth Avenue store to experience a bra fitting with an expert stylist.

I entered Intimacy’s beautiful New York City boutique and was immediately greeted by a friendly sales associate. She handed me a bottle of water and promptly went to fetch Lisa, my stylist for the day. (For the record, I now refer to Lisa as the “bra whisperer.”)

Lisa took me behind the silver-beaded gate to a private changing area. She asked me a few questions and examined the bra I was wearing. It should be noted that Intimacy stylists don’t use a measuring tape. Rather, they “size by eye;” and Lisa was able to determine my size with a quick glance and a few strap tugs… So when she said “34 E” (again, can’t believe I shared that), I was floored. “I’m a 34 C,” I thought to myself. But then I tried on the multiple bra styles, cuts, and brands she brought into the room… and, once again, I was shocked and amazed—these bras fit phenomenally. They totally changed the overall look of my body. And when I tried them on under a shirt—wow!

Lisa explained to me why it’s so important to wear a properly fitted bra. Not only does it enhance the look of clothes, it can also prevent breast sagging and harm. A woman’s body changes more than six times throughout her lifetime–so it’s important her bra keeps up with her ever-evolving physique. As a nursing mom, my body has most definitely gone through changes these past few months—so this fitting couldn’t have come at a better time. And I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous lacy bra that also fits like a dream!

The experience at Intimacy is incredibly unique and special. My stylist was extremely competent and kind, and I felt comfortable in her very capable hands. If you are in need of a bra makeover (like I was), I highly recommend a trip to your local Intimacy. As an added feel-good bonus: Intimacy has partnered with Free the Girls, an organization that gives donated bras to survivors of sex trafficking to sell in their communities. Donate a bra in March, and you’ll receive a free bra fit styling session. It’s a great incentive for an even better cause.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given a complimentary fitting appointment and bra for review.

Do you know your bra size? Not the size that you wear but your REAL bra size. As women change, so does their bra size and now we can all learn what size we really are with the Bra Fit Calculator, an online tool developed by Figleaves.com that lets you calculate your proper bra size and fit from the privacy of your own home.

How it works is easy. Simply enter in your current bra size and answer illustrated questions about the position and tightness of your bras band, the positioning of the bras underwires, and the fit of the bras cups.

Figleaves.coms Bra Fit Calculator will then provide an updated size recommendation based on your answers. In addition, Figleaves.coms newly launched online Fitting Room features videos on how to properly put on a bra, a look into the history of bra fitting, a guide to the various components of a bra, and instructions on how to wash and care for bras.

During extensive bra fit research, Figleaves.com learned that the most common problems were women wearing too large of a band and too small of a cup size, thus not supporting and lifting the bust properly. On average, women using the new Bra Fit Calculator are being resized down one band size and up three cup sizes. Figleaves.com reports their bestselling bra sizes to be a 32F and a 34E.

The reason for the launch of the new Fitting Room is simple: the traditional tape measure bra sizing system was developed more than 70 years ago. Since then, body shapes and sizes  as well as technology in lingerie  have changed a great deal. The traditional system was only designed for cup sizes A-D, whereas bras are now available up to a K cup and beyond. Whats more, the tape measure system ignores the shape of the ribcage and the proportions of the shoulders to the waist.

We are celebrating everything spring on Momtrends, and that also includes a collection of vivid intimates from Barely There. Offering a collection of seamless bras, panties and shapers to wear underneath tight fitting clothes, the CustomFlex Fit Collection can be easily mixed and matched that is designed to keep you feeling comfortable and comfy while on the go.

This includes a CustomFlex Fit Reversible Pullover ($26) that is made with smart sizing – making it easier to find your size (check out the chart above). There are also numerous options for colorblocking so you can have some versatility in your wardrobe and the bra is super comfortable while also providing you with suppor and shape.

They also have a CustomFlex Fit Bikini ($10.00 or 3/$26.00), a unique panty that fits to your body using flexible mircofibers and a four-way stretch. This comes in a boyshort, thong and cheeky styles.

While we love to look fashionable, we also love to feel comfortable and the intimates from Barely There make it easy to feel good and supportive during spring and beyond.

Momtrends is all about sharing our latest fashion finds, beauty tips and all things related to you looking and feeling your personal best. It has been my experience that even the most well put together outfits can be fashion disasters with a common, but easily fixable fashion problem….undergarments. What you wear under your clothes is as important as the clothes you are wearing. Most women don’t think twice about their underwear, bra, hosiery or (lack of) shapewear. Call me old-fashioned, or give a huge high-five to my mother for teaching me tricks of the trade that help finish off any look and keep the focus on you instead of your ill fitting underwear.

For open toe shoes or shoes with cut outs-you’ll need “hose without toes” or toe-less hosiery, they are the solution for those wanting a little coverage and shaping but without the fashion faux pax of having hose covered toes peeking out of your favorite shoes. It is never ok, no matter the season, to wear regular hose (yes, even sheer hose!) when your toes will be visible. I love sheer ones by Donna Karen, I often score them at Marshall’s for a quarter of the price!

When in doubt go sheer! I choose Berkshire and Givenchy – they both make the most affordable and best looking sheer hose. It is easy to wear hose with your favorite dress or skirt without having the distraction of too dark (or worse, light!) legs to crash your outfit. Sheer hose, often with just a hint of shimmer, to glossen up your gams, give you the shape you need without the color you don’t. Please no white dresses paired with black stockings, it just doesn’t work! (you can find sheer hose in all major department stores or online from retailers like Bare Necessities or Alex Blake)

Socks and shoes? NO! Kerri from @SavvyMomNYC & @nyclaurenbeth brought these to my attention-another great solution for those looking for coverage but without the bulk or your husband’s white tube socks stuffed into your ballet flats

2. Let’s talk underwear: Again, you have every type of underwear available. My tips here are short and sweet.

It needs to fit your body: When purchasing underwear, you usually need to either size up or choose the fit that is right for your shape. Too tight underwear creates unsightly wrinkles and folds of flesh-never a fashion “do”

Pick underwear that is right for what you are wearing: Panty lines are unattractive, distracting and again create lines most women don’t want circling their backside. If choosing thong underwear is not in the cards for you, make sure your undies are seamless and provide the coverage you need, without the lines-and yes, do peek in the mirror before you head out the door. My top pick? undies by Commando. Another solution to panty lines is to wear sheer hose under your dress pants, smooth lines, and a little coverage

3. Moving North: Bras can be the hardest undergarment to purchase. Besides the fancy, schmancy ones you may have in your drawer, you need bras that are functional.

Get a bra fitting: Ladies, do yourself a favor and make an appointment (or stop in a finer department store) and get a true bra fitting. Just had a baby? lost 5 lbs? all of this affects your measurements. Wearing the wrong bra size is not only uncomfortable, but doesn’t provide the support or coverage you need (and yes, this stands true no matter what size!) The professionals recommend you get a fitting twice a year.

Try the bras on before you purchase them:Just because they say they are “your” size doesn’t mean they will fit the way you need them to. Unfortunately, (fortunately) bras come various shapes-check the straps, back closure, cup coverage and overall fit.

Color-wearing a white tee? You need a nude bra not white! wearing a black dress? you need a black bra not white or nude (you’ll see what I mean if you take a photo wearing a black dress/shirt and a nude bra-you always see the bra lines though the fabric)

Straps: Convertible bras work wonders…for most women. They are a good way to get a lot of bang for your buck. But, again, try on what you plan to wear. Visible straps are just not stylish-it’s unfinished and definitely unprofessional…And when wearing a strapless dress ( or lacy top)-please eschew the “clear” straps. They are a fashion don’t-not only are they plastic, but they are visible and altogether tacky-even the most full-figured women can find a strapless bra they need -the key again is proper fit and cut

4. The Whole Picture-Shapewear:

Got a problem area? There is a piece of shapewear to fix it. While not the sexiest undergarments, shapewear is certainly a workhorse. Whether you want to boost, or minimize, shapewear helps you put your best foot forward. From hip to knee coverage to full torso shapewear-you can find a piece that smoothes out lines, flattens your tummy and minimizes the jiggle in your wiggle. I was surprised to learn, that even those ladies that seemingly don’t “need” shapewear, donn this under “armor” when wearing a slinky dress or body hugging cigarette pants. I just can’t ignore the power and effectiveness of Spanx-worth every invested penny! (and made right here in the USA!)

While the average American Woman may wear a size 38DD, there are plenty of women for whom filling a B cup is an issue. That’s where ittybittybra.com comes in.

Designed for women in the AA & A and B range, this company set out to provide women like me the best fit, comfort, and selection in smaller sizes. I’ve been feeling a lack of selection for years. I don’t want a bra made for teens thank you very much.

According to Jane Alden Hodgdon, IBB Designs president and CEO, these women need a bra that not only provides support, but also is stylish and comfortable. I want sophistication and great fit and I’m thrilled to have this resource.

This month you can feel even better about shopping at ittybitty. To honor Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness, 10% of all sales of the pink Signature Itty Bitty Bra as supplies last will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Breast cancer information cards are included in the Itty Bitty Bra merchandise to promote awareness and encourage testing.

Additionally, Itty Bitty Bra is also supporting Bra Recycling month, a movement to collect gently used or unused bras to be donated to victims of domestic violence and other needy women worldwide. Samples of Itty Bitty Bra will be donated to women in impoverished nations. Those who participate in the program are entitled to join a weekly raffle which includes two $25 gift certificates which may be applied at the Itty Bitty Bra website. Creator and designer Jane Hodgdon says, “Itty Bitty Bra was created to foster a healthy body image, to encourage women to feel good about themselves.”

Some of our favorite finds include the “bralet”(think lacy tee+bra) and the Signature Bra(which we tested and wore with a fitted tee!) $50. Shop, support yourself and support women in need in the process.